When she was a cognitive sciences major, Dr. Lin Guo got her first taste of medicine while volunteering as an EMT in college. Then she became hooked and her interest in the field grew, steering her toward medical school and an eventual focus on diagnostic radiology – combining her interests in writing, visual arts, and medical science.

Lin Guo, M.D.

What this award means: I feel extremely honored to be the second-ever recipient of this award. I am beyond grateful to my mentors in the Department for having been fantastic role models and supporters of my medical school radiology education and development.

Mentor comment: Lin Guo was selected for the Murray Gordon, M.D. Excellence Award in Radiology for her exemplary performance in the Diagnostic Radiology elective course. The Radiology faculty were impressed by her knowledge, which was exceptional for her level and at times exceeded that of a first-year resident. – Kristen Bishop, M.D., Associate Professor of Radiology

Background and family: I was born in Dalian, China, and immigrated to the U.S. with my family as a toddler. I grew up in Houston, where my parents now work as high school teachers. Last year, I adopted a black cat named Salem, who has become excessively pampered since moving in with my parents.

What led to your career path: I am the first physician in my family. I’ve always been fascinated by anatomical terms and loved learning the “language” of medicine. Volunteering as an EMT in college motivated me to become a physician. Then I discovered diagnostic radiology during a clinical elective and fell headlong for the specialty. It’s the perfect marriage of writing/communication, visual arts, and medical science for me.

College: I graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a Bachelor of Arts in cognitive sciences from Rice University. I was a lieutenant for Rice University EMS and a peer writing tutor.

UTSW activities: As a Dean’s Research Scholar, I had the opportunity to study cognitive aging using magnetoencephalography under the mentorship of Amy Proskovec, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Radiology and in the Advanced Imaging Research Center. I’ve also enjoyed serving as a Smoking Cessation Clinic manager and an Anatomy teaching assistant.

Surprising fact: I love watching horror movies! I fondly remember marathoning the entire Alien saga with my mom while on summer break in elementary school. That’s probably how it started.

Future plans: I am excited to train at Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center for my internship and start my diagnostic radiology residency at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell in Long Island. Currently, I hope to become an academic neuroradiologist so I can continue to teach and conduct brain research.

About the award: The award is bestowed on a graduating medical student who has declared an intention to pursue a career in radiology and has excelled in their studies.